Kevin Nyango
TechInPacific – The Coral Sea Cable is a collaborative project between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the Australian Government, PNG DataCo, and the National Information Communication Technology Authority (NICTA). The project is part of the fiber optic network project which is said to be a game changer and a transformation in the ICT sector in PNG.
According to the project’s website, the cable system link Sydney Australia, to Port Moresby Papua New Guinea and Honoria, Solomon Islands. In addition to these locations, the project include a 730km coral cable system that connects Honiara to Auki in Malaita Island, Noro New Georgia Island, and Taro Island.
The project was commenced in June last year and has completed some phases including design finalization, marine survey, power feed equipment, cable manufacture, and equipment manufacture. Meanwhile, other processes like landing facilities, shipping the equipment and cable manufacture to sites, station installation, and cable main lay are currently on progress.
Charles Punaha, the CEO of NICTA, said in a media conference on Thursday last week that the project will be coming online by the end the year. He said that the project is a big achievement for the country, especially in the ICT sector.
In the same day, NICTA and DataCo signed a MoU with the Australian Government regarding the preparation of the cable system to go online. The agreement highlights the licensing and the regulatory responsibility for the cable system in which NICTA will review once the project completes and the cable is in operation.
Benedict David, the Australian High Commission Minister Counselor who also took part in the MoU signing, said about the project as cited from postcourier.com:
“That is the game changer for economic development for business and for service delivery for all Papua New Guinea and I am looking forward to the end of the year when the project is completed and we can take it to the next level.”
On the other hand, Paul Komboi, the Managing Director at DataCo said that the project is a milestone for the company as it gives them the ability to make it happen for Papua New Guineans in terms of internet services.
